Feb 28,2008 00:00 by
UPI BANGKOK -- Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned home Thursday to face corruption charges, it was reported.

"I miss my motherland," said Thaksin, 58, who was ousted in a coup 17 months ago.

The New York Times reported a crowd of about 4,000 well-wishers cheered as his plane landed at the Bangkok airport. He was taken into custody, driven to the Supreme Court and then released on bail pending a March 8 hearing on the corruption charges.

Before flying to Thailand from exile in Hong Kong, Thaksin said he trusts the Thai court system. He also has said he is through with politics, the Time said.

A civilian government filled with Thaksin's supporters was elected in December, despite efforts of the country's military leaders to eliminate his influence, the Times said.